I'm wondering if this is a good deal. A local is selling a '78 Suzuki DS185 with less than 600 miles on it. Condition looks excellent, really doesn't look like it was ridden much in the picture. He's wanting $600 for it.

Now for the bike itself. Was the DS185 known for being a good bike? How was the handling, motor, etc? I can't find much information on it on the net, so it must be pretty rare.

It's probably a TS-185. If it has a 4-speed trans with a high/low range, than it's a TC-185. Both are very strong, reliable bikes. If it looks as good in person as in the pic, and runs, I'd snap it up.

I stand corrected on the model designation, but still wouldn't hesitate to buy.

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That is a DS185.I had it's little brother brand new in '78
when I was 12(DS100).I rode it almost non stop for a year
without any issues except using a few plugs.
It has a 5 speed.
In '79 they switched to a square headlight.

I had a '74 TC185. I loved the bike. I should never have sold it. Even though it had a realistic top speed of about 60mph, it was incredible fun on back country roads. I had it for two seasons and it never failed me. Mine had about 10,000 miles on it when I sold it if I remember right and in the two years I had it, it never failed me.

If it's in solid shape and has a title, I would probably pay what they're asking and not feel ripped off.

I have a DS100. Looks almost identical. I've ridden it probably .5 miles in the 5 years we've had it because of a rusted out tank and corroded carburetor (it was given to us for free after resting in the mud next to a barn for decades). But, I just put replacement parts on it two days ago.

i had one for a couple of years in great shape...fun bike but pretty small for everyday riding.....it didnt do anything great even compared to bikes in its day.....just a plain jane reliable bike to use around the yard and very local trails

dont get me wrong but its not a great bike....its just a bike thats reliable and is able to go on trails.....u arent going to be able to keep up with any modern bikes in the woods or hit any jump over 6inches without bottoming out and is a pretty small bike....i think my kx 100 has a higher seat height...parts are hard to come by but the bike is reliable enough to not make that an issue.

buy it if
u want a reliable vintage bike
want to trail ride around ur house
ride with ur young kids that have bikes

dont buy it if
u are thinking u are going to ride with ur buddies that have 80's+ off road bike
u are going to make this ur primary off road bike
if the lights are blown since the rectifier is discontinued and known to break down and over charge and blow out the lights and its a 6volt bike which kinda sucks for a everyday bike.

sometimes u remember how awesome a car or bike was when u were a kid and once u ride that same bike again 20 years down the road u realize how nice technology is on newer bike